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Use 2nd Orbi RBK50 (mesh) router as a satellite?
I found it cheaper to aquire 2nd RBK/RBS 50 system than extra satellites!
I linked the extra satellite to my system without problem now I would like to use the 2nd Router also just a satellite.
- Pros / Cons?
- How do I do it? Just use the add satellite method or ...?
Thanks
https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Just be sure that the 2.4 and 5Ghz radio channels are far apart from the main Orbi, i.e. 2.4Ghz on main Orbi set to channel 11, on the RBR in AP mode in the basement, set to channel 1. Same in regards to 5Ghz radios.
6 Replies
RBRs can't not be used as RBSs. Only as a main host router or in AP mode.
I suspected that.
However as an AP, given that I need to to feed it it with an LAN cable will it mimic the rest of the ORBi network as a satellite would, or need to have its own SID or log in.
You can connect as many WiFi access points as you want to an Orbi system, and even give them the exact same SSID and password, but they will be separate WiFi systems, in no way "integrated" with the Orbi network. When a device comes close to an Orbi network, senses it, and connects, there is a relationship whereby the device and the Orbi coordinate when it would be better to change to a different node in the Orbi network. That will not happen if a device connects to an access point that happens to have the same name and password. The device will most likely remain "stuck" to that access point until it no longer has any service at all. Only then will it look around for a replacement. If there are devices that never move, deploying a surplus Orbi router as an access point can make sense, and it is probably convenient to give it the same WiFi name and password. But, the same results can be achieved with a $50 access point of any brand.
"not a satellite - EVER" means "not integrated - IN ANY WAY".
Sad, but true. No idea why Netgear did this, but they did.
